Tag: Hardware

Make: Getting Started with 3D Printing, Second Edition, is a practical, informative, and inspiring book that guides readers step-by-step through understanding this new manufacturing technology. The book includes fundamental topics such as a short history of 3D printing, the best hardware and software choices, hands-on CAD tutorial exercises, and examples of how to apply 3D printing to personal life, professional work, and new business opportunities. The second edition provides updated information and features exciting new chapters on troubleshooting your CAD and 3D print models. Also included are new visual guides and a new section for businesses. For every maker, would-be-maker and professional who is interested, or is confused, or who wants to get started in 3D printing today, this book offers methodical information that can be read, digested, and put into practice immediately!

The book is written in a casual, conversational style. It is easily accessible to those who have no prior knowledge in 3D printing, yet the book’s message is solidly practical, technically accurate, and consumer-relevant. The chapters include contemporary, real-life learning exercises and insights for how to buy, use and maintain 3D printers. It also covers free 3D modeling software, as well as 3D printing services for those who don’t want to immediately invest in the purchase of a 3D printer. Particular focus is placed on free and paid resources, the various choices available in 3D printing, and tutorials and troubleshooting guides.

Aleph Objects, Inc., the company behind LulzBot 3D printers, has announced the launch of the worldâ€™s very first Certified Open Source Hardware 3D Printing Filament. The open source filament was developed by IC3D Industries, a premium 3D printing materials manufacturer and large-format 3D printing service.

The development process for the new ABS filament, which is being presented at the RAPID + TCT 2017 event in Pittsburgh, is laid out in a 16-page white paper released by IC3D. The document details everything about the open source material, including the manufacturing process, parameters, material grades, etc. Both Aleph Objects and IC3D say the filament is the first open source, non-proprietary 3D printing material on the market.

â€œProprietary materials should not be an impediment to advancing the use of 3D printed objects for certified parts and other industrial applications,â€� explained IC3D Founder and CEO Michael Cao. â€œIC3D is committed to open source 3D printing consumables. LulzBot and Aleph Objectsâ€™ focus on open source has been an inspiration to IC3D and weâ€™re pleased that they will be reselling IC3D consumables.â€�

Within the 3D printing industry, open source hardware and software have been crucial to the technologyâ€™s quick growth. Notable open source projects such as Arduino and RepRap have fuelled amateur and professional innovators everywhere to push additive manufacturing technologies and applications further. Despite the open source philosophy that has accompanied many 3D printing systems, 3D printing materials have largely remained protected and proprietary.

â€œThe future of the 3D printing industry is open,â€� said Aleph Objects President Harris Kenny. â€œIC3D is demonstrating impressive vision by bringing the Philosophy of User Freedom to filament manufacturing, and we are proud to be working alongside them.â€�

IC3D recently uploaded the 16-page white paper about the filament on file sharing platform GitHub. That means that not only will GitHub users be able to access the information, but IC3D will be able to update its file as its processes and materials advance. Aleph Objects, which has stood by Free, Libre, and Open Source development, reportedly worked alongside IC3D to help them navigate open source and file sharing processes.

The IC3D filament joins the ranks of other 3D printing products that have received an OSHWA open source certification. LulzBot 3D printers, which are also Open Source Hardware certified, also have the distinction of being the only 3D printers with Respects Your Freedom certification from the Free Software Foundation.

â€œFor the first time in history, when printing IC3D filament with LulzBot 3D printers, it will be possible to have a 100% Free/Libre/Open Source tool chain for additive manufacturing, from software to hardware to end product,â€� reads a statement by the companies.

Until May 11, IC3D reps can be found at LulzBotâ€™s RAPID + TCT 2017 booth, #1829. Those interested in purchasing the new Open Source Hardware certified IC3D ABS filament can do so via LulzBotâ€™s website.

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